After a decade of underwhelming results following the 2014 World Cup victory, the DFB is desperate for the German national team to reclaim its spot as a powerhouse soccer country. Sporting director Andreas Rettig is retiring at the end of his contract this year and manager Julian Nagelsmann was recommended to resign his post immediately with a seven-figure buyout.
The DFB’s coaching search has focused solely on hiring Jürgen Klopp to revitalize the program. After successful spells with Mainz, Borussia Dortmund, and Liverpool, Klopp has been operating as Red Bull’s Head of Global Football for the past two years.
In a recent interview, Bayern and Germany legend Thomas Müller offered his analysis on the decision.
”The choice of Jürgen is an interesting one because he’s not just a coach, or someone who has been a successful coach,” Müller told MagentaTV (via @iMiaSanMia). “In his current role [at Red Bull], he’s also involved in building structures and organizational processes. This isn’t simply about bringing in a new coach to write names on the tactics board; it’s about putting the right structures in place so that the necessary changes can actually be implemented. When you were a manager in England, you’re much more than just a coach. You’re involved in completely different processes and ways of thinking that go far beyond the job itself.”
Approval from the Raumdeuter will likely be echoed by other prominent players and decision makers. Klopp’s resume speaks for itself but the 59-year old Stuttgart native would be managing a national team for the first time in his illustrious career.
